Smart ski pole and ski pole with integrated speaker

ABSTRACT

Smart grips for use on ski poles and handlebars are disclosed herein. A smart grip can include a grip body having an opening mateable to a tubular member. A speaker can be disposed in the grip body and a display can be at least partially contained in the grip body. A controller can be disposed in the grip body and includes at least one processor and at least one memory device storing instructions for causing the at least one processor to receive incoming audio data and output said incoming audio data via the speaker. One or more buttons can be positioned on the grip and coupled to the controller. A battery can be disposed in the grip body and coupled to at least the controller.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/720,723, filed Aug. 21, 2018, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This patent application is directed to pole-like objects, such as ski poles, and more specifically, to grips and ski poles incorporating electronic functionality.

BACKGROUND

Smart phones provide many conveniences such as communication and entertainment (e.g., music). However, the compact design of these devices can make them difficult to operate in certain situations. For example, snow sports, such as skiing, generally require the user to wear gloves. Furthermore, the environment (i.e., snow and water) require the device to be stowed in a suitable location (e.g., pocket) to protect it from impact and moisture. A smart phone can be difficult to remove from a back pack, a jacket pocket, or the like in order to use the device. Furthermore, interacting with the compact screen, buttons, and on-screen controls can also be very difficult while wearing gloves. Retrieving a smart phone in these conditions every time the user wants to check for communications or change music settings can become tedious. In addition, each time the smart phone is handled in these conditions, the user risks dropping the device in the snow, for example.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The grips and ski poles described herein may be better understood by referring to the following Detailed Description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate identical or functionally similar elements:

FIG. 1A is a side view of an upper portion of a ski pole with an integrated speaker according to a representative embodiment;

FIG. 1B is a side view of a lower portion of the ski pole shown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the ski pole shown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 3 is a side view of a smart ski pole according to a representative embodiment;

FIG. 4A is a top view of the ski pole shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 4B is a top view of the ski pole shown in FIG. 3 illustrating a call information screen;

FIG. 4C is a top view of the ski pole shown in FIG. 3 illustrating a music information screen;

FIG. 4D is a top view of the ski pole shown in FIG. 3 illustrating a compass/weather display screen;

FIG. 4E is a top view of the ski pole shown in FIG. 3 illustrating an altimeter display screen;

FIG. 5A is a schematic top view representation of a smart grip according to a representative embodiment;

FIG. 5B is a schematic side view representation of the smart grip shown in FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A is a schematic top view representation of a smart grip according to another representative embodiment;

FIG. 6B is a schematic side view representation of the smart grip shown in FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A is a schematic top view representation of a smart grip according to a further representative embodiment;

FIG. 7B is a schematic side view representation of the smart grip shown in FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8A is a schematic top view representation of a smart grip for use on a handlebar according to a representative embodiment;

FIG. 8B is a schematic side view representation of the smart grip shown in FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a communication configuration in which some implementations can operate;

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram showing a method of operation of a processor-based smart grip system according to some implementations of the present technology;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an overview of devices on which some implementations can operate;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an overview of an environment in which some implementations can operate; and

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating components which, in some implementations, can be used in a system employing the disclosed technology.

The headings provided herein are for convenience only and do not necessarily affect the scope of the embodiments. Further, the drawings have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be expanded or reduced to help improve the understanding of the embodiments. Moreover, while the disclosed technology is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail below. The intention, however, is not to unnecessarily limit the embodiments described. On the contrary, the embodiments are intended to cover all modifications, combinations, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of this disclosure.

SUMMARY

The disclosed technology provides electronic functionality, e.g., a smart watch and/or speaker, imbedded into grips for use on poles and handlebars, for example. In a representative embodiment, a smart grip can include a grip body having an opening mateable to a tubular member. A speaker can be disposed in the grip body and a display can be at least partially contained in the grip body. A controller can be disposed in the grip body and can include at least one processor and at least one memory device storing instructions for causing the at least one processor to receive incoming audio data and output said incoming audio data via the speaker. In some embodiments, one or more buttons can be positioned on the grip and coupled to the controller. In one aspect of the technology, a battery can be disposed in the grip body and coupled to at least the controller. In some implementations, a charging port can be coupled to the battery. In some implementations, the grip body is generally cylindrical. The controller can be configured to receive the incoming audio data via Bluetooth. In some implementations, the grip can include a microphone for collecting outgoing audio data and the grip can include instructions for causing the at least one processor to transmit outgoing audio data. In some implementations, the memory device can include instructions for causing the at least one processor to display information related to the incoming audio data on the display. In one aspect of the technology, the one or more buttons are configured to adjust a volume level of the speaker.

In another representative embodiment, a smart grip can include a grip body having an opening mateable to a tubular member. The smart grip can have a controller including at least one processor and at least one memory device storing instructions for causing the at least one processor to receive incoming audio data and output said incoming audio data via the speaker. One or more buttons can be positioned on the grip and coupled to the controller. The smart grip can also include a display coupled to at least the controller, a speaker coupled to at least the controller, and a battery coupled to at least the controller. In some embodiments, at least one of the controller, the display, the speaker, or the battery is remotely mounted to the tubular member.

In a representative embodiment, a smart ski pole can include an elongate tubular pole and a grip body mounted to the tubular pole. A speaker can be disposed in the grip body and a display can be at least partially contained in the grip body. A controller can be disposed in the grip body and can include at least one processor and at least one memory device storing instructions for causing the at least one processor to receive incoming audio data and output said incoming audio data via the speaker. In some embodiments, one or more buttons can be positioned on the grip and coupled to the controller.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various examples of the devices introduced above will now be described in further detail. The following description provides specific details for a thorough understanding and enabling description of these examples. One skilled in the relevant art will understand, however, that the techniques and technology discussed herein may be practiced without many of these details. Likewise, one skilled in the relevant art will also understand that the technology can include many other features not described in detail herein. Additionally, some well-known structures or functions may not be shown or described in detail below so as to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the relevant description.

The terminology used below is to be interpreted in its broadest reasonable manner, even though it is being used in conjunction with a detailed description of some specific examples of the embodiments. Indeed, some terms may even be emphasized below; however, any terminology intended to be interpreted in any restricted manner will be overtly and specifically defined as such in this section.

Skiing and other outdoor activities, such as snow-shoeing and hiking often employ the use of poles to help stabilize and/or propel the user. The disclosed technology provides electronic functionality, e.g., a smart watch and/or speaker, imbedded into the grip of such a pole. Both of these different grips can pair with a smart phone through Bluetooth. All different functions within the devices can be accessed through different buttons on top of or on the side of the grip that the user can toggle through with a click. All buttons are easily accessible while wearing gloves, which conveniently allows skiers to access smart phone technology without the hassle of accessing their actual phone in ski gear, which can be a difficult task. Although the grips disclosed herein are in some cases described with respect to ski poles, the disclosed technology can be used on poles for other suitable activities, such as paddle boarding, cross-country skiing, hiking, and snow-shoeing, and also on handlebars such as used on bicycles, scooters, motorcycles, and the like.

FIGS. 1A-2 illustrate a ski pole with an integrated speaker, also referred to herein as a speaker pole 100. The speaker pole 100 can include a pole 102 with a grip or handle portion 104 attached thereto. In some embodiments, the pole 102 can include a basket 103, as shown in FIG. 1B. The grip 104 can contain a disc-shaped speaker 106 and associated components. The speaker 106 can be positioned behind a grill 108, for example. As shown in FIG. 2, the speaker pole 100 can include an interface 110 which can include volume and play/pause buttons, for example. The interface can be a touch screen, mechanical buttons, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the speaker pole 100 can have controls for volume, next/previous song, play/pause, etc. These controls can be used to control the music from the speaker itself, headphones plugged into the paired phone, or both. With the speaker grip, users can also answer and talk on the phone without going through the struggle of taking their phone out. These features can be selected and customized by the user through a downloaded smartphone application. In some embodiments, the speaker pole 100 can include a pairing button 112 to pair the speaker with a smart phone or other device via Bluetooth. In some embodiments, the speaker 106 can be fastened to an interior region of the grip 104 with fasteners and/or adhesive. The interface 110 can be disposed in a cavity formed in the end of the grip 104, for example. The interface 110 can be fastened into such a cavity with fasteners and/or adhesive. In some embodiments, the interface can be snapped or threaded into the cavity. In some embodiments, the speaker 106 can be positioned in the end of the grip and the interface buttons can be positioned on the side of the grip, for example. In other embodiments, the speaker can comprise an annular speaker that fits around the pole 102 and is encased in the grip 104.

FIGS. 3 and 4A illustrate a ski pole with an integrated smart watch, also referred to herein as a smart ski pole 140. The smart ski pole 140 can include a pole 142 with a grip or handle portion 144 attached thereto. The grip 144 can contain a smart watch 146 and associated components. The smart ski pole 140 can include a display 148 to convey information such as time and date information 152. The smart pole 140 can also include a pairing button 150 to pair the smart watch 146 with a smart phone or other device via Bluetooth. In some embodiments, the smart watch 146 can be paired with the speaker pole 100. In some embodiments, the smart ski pole 140 can include a speaker and/or microphone as described above with respect to the speaker pole 100. As shown in FIGS. 4B-4E, the display can also convey information related to incoming calls/texts 154, current song/artist 156 playing through the user's phone, compass/temperature 158, and altitude 160, for example and without limitation. The interface can also display weather, speed, mileage, runs completed, and the like.

The smart watch 146 can be disposed in a cavity formed in the end of the grip 144 in a similar manner as that described above for the speaker pole 100. For example, the smart watch 146 can be fastened into a cavity with fasteners and/or adhesive. In some embodiments, the smart watch 146 can be snapped or threaded into the cavity. In some embodiments, the smart ski pole and/or speaker pole can in incorporate a small action sports camera that films through the front of the grip. In some embodiments, the smart ski pole and or speaker pole can include 2-way radios for groups like ski patrol or families.

In some embodiments, the speaker pole 100 and the smart pole 140 can each include a suitable battery positioned in the grip. The battery can be a rechargeable battery along with a charging port, such as a USB plug. In some embodiments, the charging port can include a rubber plug to protect the port from moisture. In some embodiments, the various components described herein can be comprised of suitable materials such as aluminum and/or steel. In some embodiments, certain components such as the grip can be comprised of plastic and/or rubber, for example.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a grip with an integrated smart watch, also referred to herein as a smart grip 200. The smart grip 200 can include a grip body 202 that can be attached to a tube 204, such as a handlebar or a ski pole. The grip body 202 can include an opening mateable to the tube 204. The grip body 202 can at least partially contain a smart watch 206 and associated components. For example, the smart watch can comprise a controller including at least one processor and at least one memory device storing instructions for causing the at least one processor to interact with the devices and perform the functions described herein, such as receiving incoming audio data and outputting that audio data via the speaker. The smart grip 200 can include a display 208 to convey information such as time and date information and provide a menu to move through options and settings. The smart watch 206 can include the display 208 as well as a Bluetooth module or baseband processor (for Wi-fi, Bluetooth and cellular), a CPU, and the like. The smart grip 200 can also include one or more buttons, such as buttons 210 and 212 positioned on the sides of the smart watch 206. The buttons 210 and 212 are operative to provide MP3 control, navigation, and activate voice command capabilities. The buttons 210 and 212 can be used to pair the smart watch 206 with a smart phone or other device via Bluetooth. In some embodiments, the smart watch 206 can include a thumb wheel and/or a rotating bezel input device in lieu of or in addition to buttons 210 and 212. In some embodiments, the smart grip 200 can include cellular communication capabilities, such as its own 4G or 5G chip for two way communication and internet access without pairing to a separate smartphone. In some embodiments, the smart grip 200 can include a visual indicator, such as LED 214, to indicate power on/off and status, such as Bluetooth pairing. In some embodiments, the smart grip 200 can include a speaker 216 and/or microphone 218. The speaker 216 can be used to take calls and play MP3s, or other formats, via Bluetooth, for example. The microphone 218 conveniently allows a user to speak on the phone and can receive voice commands. The grip body 202 can also include a battery 220, such as a rechargeable Li-ion battery, that is coupled to a weatherproof charging port 222.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a grip with an integrated smart watch, also referred to herein as a smart grip 300. The smart grip 300 is similar to the smart grip 200 described above with the addition of radio capabilities. The smart grip 300 can include a grip body 302 that can be attached to a tube 304. The grip body 302 can at least partially contain a smart watch 306 and associated components. The smart grip 300 can include a display 308 to convey information such as time and date information and provide a menu to move through options and settings. The smart watch 306 can include the display 308 as well as a Bluetooth module or baseband processor (for radio, Wi-fi, Bluetooth and cellular), a CPU, and the like. The smart grip 300 can also include one or more buttons, such as buttons 310 and 312 positioned on the sides of the smart watch 306. The buttons 310 and 312 are operative to provide MP3 control, navigation, push to talk functionality, select radio channel, and activate voice command capabilities. The buttons 310 and 312 can be used to pair the smart watch 306 with a smart phone or other device via Bluetooth. In some embodiments, the smart grip 300 can include cellular communication capabilities, such as its own 4G or 5G chip for two way communication and internet access without pairing to a separate smartphone. In some embodiments, the smart grip 300 can include visual indicator, such as LED 314, to indicate power on/off and status, such as Bluetooth pairing. In some embodiments, the smart grip 300 can include a speaker 316 and/or microphone 318. The speaker 316 can be used to take calls and play MP3s, or other formats, via Bluetooth, for example. The microphone 318 conveniently allows a user to speak on the phone and can receive voice commands. The grip body 302 can also include a battery 320, such as a rechargeable Li-ion battery, that is coupled to a weatherproof charging port 322. In some embodiments, the smart grip 300 can include an antenna 324 that extends into the tube 304, such as into a ski pole tube, to provide extended radio range.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a grip with an integrated smart watch, also referred to herein as a smart grip 400. The smart grip 400 is similar to smart grip 300 described above with radio channel monitoring. The smart grip 400 can include a grip body 402 that can be attached to a tube 404. The grip body 402 can at least partially contain a smart watch 406 and associated components. The smart grip 400 can include a display 408 to convey information such as radio channel being monitored and provide a menu to move through options and settings. The smart watch 406 can include the display 408 as well as a Bluetooth module or baseband processor. The smart grip 400 can also include one or more buttons, such as buttons 410 and 412 positioned on the sides of the smart watch 406. The buttons 410 and 412 are operative to provide at least channel selection, volume control, and push to talk capabilities. The buttons 410 and 412 can be used to pair the smart watch 406 with a smart phone or other device via Bluetooth. In some embodiments, the smart grip 400 can include visual indicator, such as LED 414, to indicate power on/off and status, such as Bluetooth pairing. In some embodiments, the smart grip 400 can include a speaker 416 and/or microphone 418 to allow the user to communicate with other users. The grip body 402 can also include a battery 420, such as a rechargeable Li-ion battery, that is coupled to a weatherproof charging port 422. In some embodiments, the smart grip 400 can include an antenna 424 that extends into the tube 404, such as into a ski pole tube, to provide extended radio range.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a grip with an integrated Bluetooth speaker and controls, also referred to herein as a smart speaker grip 500. The smart speaker grip 500 can include a grip body 502 that can be attached to a tube, such as a handlebar 530. In some embodiments, the smart grip 500 can include a smart watch portion 506 contained in the grip body 502 or remotely mounted to the handlebar as shown. The smart watch 506 can include a display 508 to convey information such as time and date information and provide a menu to move through options and settings. The smart grip 500 can also include one or more controls 510 a and/or 510 b. The controls 510 a (e.g., buttons) can be positioned on the grip body 502 adjacent a brake lever 532 or alternatively the controls 510 b can be positioned on the end of the grip 502. The controls 510 are operative to provide MP3 control, volume control, and Bluetooth pairing with a smart phone or other device via Bluetooth. The smart grip 500 can include a speaker 516 to play MP3s, or other formats, via Bluetooth, for example. The grip body 502 can also include a battery 520, such as a rechargeable Li-ion battery, that is coupled to a weatherproof charging port 522.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a communication configuration 600 in which some implementations of the smart pole/grips 602 can operate. As shown in the figure, one or more smart pole/grips 602(1) and 602(2) can communicate with a smart phone 604 via Bluetooth 608, for example. The smart phone 604 can include applications for Android and iOS (peer to peer connections, interface customization and preferences mobile controls, etc.) and MP3 capabilities. The smart phone 604 can communicate with one or more cell towers 606 to provide a cell connection 610 for calls, texts, and other notifications.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram showing a method of operation 620 of a processor-based smart grip system according to some implementations of the present technology. The method starts at 622 where one or more smart grips 602 are paired with a smart phone 604, for example. At 624, the smart phone 604 can communicate with a cell tower 606 to access the internet, for example. At 626, the smart phone 604 receives data from the cell tower 606. At 628, the smart phone 604 transmits data, such as audio data, to the one or more smart grips 602. At 630, the data is output via the one or more smart grips 602. For example, audio data can be output through the smart grip's speaker. Other data can be output via the smart grip's display.

Suitable System

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an overview of devices on which some implementations of the disclosed technology can operate. The devices can comprise hardware components of a device 700 that provides smart functionality on a grip for sporting equipment. Device 700 can include one or more input devices 720 that provide input to the CPU (processor) 710, notifying it of actions. The actions are typically mediated by a hardware controller that interprets the signals received from the input device and communicates the information to the CPU 710 using a communication protocol. Input devices 720 include, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, a touchscreen, an infrared sensor, a touchpad, a wearable input device, a camera- or image-based input device, a microphone, buttons, controls or other user input devices.

CPU 710 can be a single processing unit or multiple processing units in a device or distributed across multiple devices. CPU 710 can be coupled to other hardware devices, for example, with the use of a bus, such as a PCI bus or SCSI bus. The CPU 710 can communicate with a hardware controller for devices, such as for a display 730. Display 730 can be used to display text and graphics. In some examples, display 730 provides graphical and textual visual feedback to a user. In some implementations, display 730 includes the input device as part of the display, such as when the input device is a touchscreen or is equipped with an eye direction monitoring system. In some implementations, the display is separate from the input device. Examples of display devices are: an LCD display screen; an LED display screen; a projected, holographic, or augmented reality display (such as a heads-up display device or a head-mounted device); and so on. Other I/O devices 740 can also be coupled to the processor, such as a network card, video card, audio card, USB, FireWire or other external device, camera, printer, speakers, CD-ROM drive, DVD drive, disk drive, or Blu-Ray device.

In some implementations, the device 700 also includes a communication device capable of communicating wirelessly or wire-based with a network node. The communication device can communicate with another device or a server through a network using, for example, TCP/IP protocols. Device 700 can utilize the communication device to distribute operations across multiple network devices.

The CPU 710 can have access to a memory 750. A memory includes one or more of various hardware devices for volatile and non-volatile storage, and can include both read-only and writable memory. For example, a memory can comprise random access memory (RAM), CPU registers, read-only memory (ROM), and writable non-volatile memory, such as flash memory, hard drives, floppy disks, CDs, DVDs, magnetic storage devices, tape drives, device buffers, and so forth. A memory is not a propagating signal divorced from underlying hardware; a memory is thus non-transitory. Memory 750 can include program memory 760 that stores programs and software, such as an operating system 762, MP3 player programs 764, and other application programs 766. Memory 750 can also include data memory 770 that can include configuration data and user preferences such default volume and display, etc., which can be provided to the program memory 760 or any element of the device 700.

Some implementations can be operational with numerous other general purpose or special purpose computing system environments or configurations. Examples of well-known computing systems, environments, and/or configurations that may be suitable for use with the technology include, but are not limited to, personal computers, server computers, handheld or laptop devices, cellular telephones, mobile phones, wearable electronics, gaming consoles, tablet devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, set-top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, distributed computing environments that include any of the above systems or devices, or the like.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an overview of an environment 800 in which some implementations of the disclosed technology can operate. Environment 800 can include one or more client computing devices 805A-D, examples of which can include device 700. Client computing devices 805 can operate in a networked environment using logical connections through network 830 to one or more remote computers, such as a server computing device 810.

In some implementations, server computing device 810 can be an edge server that receives client requests and coordinates fulfillment of those requests through other servers, such as servers 820A-C. Server computing devices 810 and 820 can comprise computing systems, such as device 700. Though each server computing device 810 and 820 is displayed logically as a single server, server computing devices can each be a distributed computing environment encompassing multiple computing devices located at the same or at geographically disparate physical locations. In some implementations, each server computing device 820 corresponds to a group of servers.

Client computing devices 805 and server computing devices 810 and 820 can each act as a server or client to other server/client devices. Server 810 can connect to a database 815. Servers 820A-C can each connect to a corresponding database 825A-C. As discussed above, each server 820 can correspond to a group of servers, and each of these servers can share a database or can have their own database. Databases 815 and 825 can warehouse (e.g., store) information such as MP3 libraries, GPS maps, and user preferences. Though databases 815 and 825 are displayed logically as single units, databases 815 and 825 can each be a distributed computing environment encompassing multiple computing devices, can be located within their corresponding server, or can be located at the same or at geographically disparate physical locations.

Network 830 can be a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), but can also be other wired or wireless networks. Network 830 may be the Internet or some other public or private network. Client computing devices 805 can be connected to network 830 through a network interface, such as by wired or wireless communication. While the connections between server 810 and servers 820 are shown as separate connections, these connections can be any kind of local, wide area, wired, or wireless network, including network 830 or a separate public or private network.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating components 900 which, in some implementations, can be used in a system employing the disclosed technology. The components 900 include hardware 902, general software 920, and specialized components 940. As discussed above, a system implementing the disclosed technology can use various hardware, including processing units 904 (e.g., CPUs, GPUs, APUs, etc.), working memory 906, storage memory 908, and input and output devices 910. Components 900 can be implemented in a client computing device such as client computing devices 805 or on a server computing device, such as server computing device 810 or 820.

General software 920 can include various applications, including an operating system 922, local programs 924, and a basic input output system (BIOS) 926. Specialized components 940 can be subcomponents of a general software application 920, such as local programs 924. Specialized components 940 can include variables module 944, Bluetooth module 946, MP3 control module 948, and components that can be used for transferring data and controlling the specialized components, such as interface 942. In some implementations, components 900 can be in a computing system that is distributed across multiple computing devices or can be an interface to a server-based application executing one or more of specialized components 940.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the components illustrated in FIGS. 9-13 described above, and in each of the flow diagrams discussed above, may be altered in a variety of ways. For example, the order of the logic may be rearranged, sub steps may be performed in parallel, illustrated logic may be omitted, other logic may be included, etc. In some implementations, one or more of the components described above can execute one or more of the processes described herein.

Remarks

The above description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in some instances, well-known details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description. Further, various modifications may be made without deviating from the scope of the embodiments.

Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not for other embodiments.

The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in the specific context where each term is used. It will be appreciated that the same thing can be said in more than one way. Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein, and any special significance is not to be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. Synonyms for some terms are provided. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification, including examples of any term discussed herein, is illustrative only and is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in this specification. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, the present document, including definitions, will control. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A smart grip, comprising: a grip body having an opening mateable to a tubular member; a display at least partially contained in the grip body; a speaker disposed in the grip body; a controller disposed in the grip body and including at least one processor and at least one memory device storing instructions for causing the at least one processor to receive incoming audio data and output said incoming audio data via the speaker; one or more buttons positioned on the grip and coupled to the controller; and a battery disposed in the grip body and coupled to at least the controller.
 2. The smart grip of claim 1, further comprising a charging port coupled to the battery.
 3. The smart grip of claim 1, wherein the grip body is generally cylindrical.
 4. The smart grip of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to receive the incoming audio data via Bluetooth.
 5. The smart grip of claim 1, further comprising a microphone for collecting outgoing audio data.
 6. The smart grip of claim 5, further comprising instructions for causing the at least one processor to transmit outgoing audio data.
 7. The smart grip of claim 1, further comprising instructions for causing the at least one processor to display information related to the incoming audio data on the display.
 8. The smart grip of claim 1, wherein the one or more buttons are configured to adjust a volume level of the speaker.
 9. A smart grip, comprising: a grip body having an opening mateable to a tubular member; a controller including at least one processor and at least one memory device storing instructions for causing the at least one processor to receive incoming audio data and output said incoming audio data via the speaker; one or more buttons positioned on the grip and coupled to the controller; a display coupled to at least the controller; a speaker coupled to at least the controller; and a battery coupled to at least the controller.
 10. The smart grip of claim 9, wherein at least one of the controller, the display, the speaker, or the battery is remotely mounted to the tubular member.
 11. The smart grip of claim 9, wherein the grip body is generally cylindrical.
 12. The smart grip of claim 9, wherein the controller is configured to receive the incoming audio data via Bluetooth.
 13. The smart grip of claim 9, further comprising a microphone for collecting outgoing audio data.
 14. The smart grip of claim 13, further comprising instructions for causing the at least one processor to transmit outgoing audio data.
 15. The smart grip of claim 9, further comprising instructions for causing the at least one processor to display information related to the incoming audio data on the display.
 16. The smart grip of claim 9, wherein the one or more buttons are configured to adjust a volume level of the speaker.
 17. A smart ski pole, comprising: an elongate tubular pole; a grip body mounted to the tubular pole; a display at least partially contained in the grip body; a speaker disposed in the grip body; a controller disposed in the grip body and including at least one processor and at least one memory device storing instructions for causing the at least one processor to receive incoming audio data and output said incoming audio data via the speaker; one or more buttons positioned on the grip and coupled to the controller; and a battery disposed in the grip body and coupled to at least the controller.
 18. The smart ski pole of claim 17, wherein the controller is configured to receive the incoming audio data via Bluetooth.
 19. The smart ski pole of claim 17, further comprising a microphone for collecting outgoing audio data and instructions for causing the at least one processor to transmit the outgoing audio data.
 20. The smart ski pole of claim 17, further comprising instructions for causing the at least one processor to display information related to the incoming audio data on the display. 